white wood aster

Eurybia divaricata is a shade-loving aster. It produces large quantities of flowers with white rays and yellow central disks, that seem to float above the contrasting deep-green foliage. Although the individual flowers are delicate and only 1" across, it blooms in large, showy terminal clusters. The leaves are spade-like, coarsely serrated. The stems tend to zigzag, and can range in color from dark green to almost black, offering yet another contrasting element to the plant. As the flowers mature, their central disk goes from yellow, to red and bronze, before going to seed.

Cultivation

White wood asters are one of the earliest fall-bloomers, and about as close as you can get to the ideal wildflowers for dry shade. If anything, some people find it can do too well, and take over. It performs best under filtered light, with up to 3 hours of direct sun a day. The soil should be well-drained, and slightly acidic. Heavy soil that remains consistently moist, can lead to foliar disease, especially if combined with poor air circulation. The seeds are easily dispersed by the wind, and this species can spread aggressively in ares that are disturbed or sparsely planted. However, dead-heading will keep this species in check, unwanted plants can be easily removed. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-fall, and lasts for up to 2 months. Zones 4-8

Propagation

The seeds are easily dispersed by the wind, and can be difficult to collect. Easy to propagate by division in spring.

Additional Notes

Cutting the plants back to 6" late in spring will produce a denser form. Combines beautifully with low ground covers such as Asarum canadense, and with ferns such as Osmunda cinnamosa.